Олег Черныш

Former Ukrainian digital transformation and defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s video address called elections during wartime necessary and possible, while offering no concrete explanation of how a safe and legitimate vote could be organized. He blamed a vague “old system,” loyalty networks, corruption and private interests in defence, but avoided naming the people ultimately responsible. The analysis argues that Fedorov is challenging the political establishment—implicitly including those at the top—rather than merely opposing an abstract system. His move comes amid protests demanding his return to the Defence Ministry, although support for wartime elections remains limited and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that Fedorov will not be reinstated. Fedorov must now demonstrate that his call reflects a workable political plan rather than a premature bid for influence.

Russia sharply increased its use and production of ballistic missiles against Ukraine in July and early August 2026, while Ukraine faced a serious shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles. Striking Russian launchers before or immediately after firing could reduce attacks, but the systems are mobile, camouflaged and protected, and can deploy, fire and withdraw within minutes. Ukraine has successfully attacked some missile equipment at storage bases and training sites, yet lacks a consistently reliable way to hit launchers near the border in time. Fast ballistic systems such as Sapsan and FP-9 could eventually fill this gap, while drones require advance intelligence because of their slower speeds. The effectiveness of future strikes will depend on rapid Ukrainian capability development and continued Western intelligence and weapons support.

Russian attacks on Ukrainian gas stations have intensified, damaging up to hundreds of fuel facilities in frontline and inland regions. Analysts disagree on the scale, but agree the strikes aim to create pressure on civilians rather than achieve military objectives, with limited impact on the Ukrainian army’s logistics. Fuel supply remains stable due to diversified imports and robust market structures, though frontline regions face shortages and delivery risks. Authorities and fuel operators are considering temporary mobile fuel points and regulatory easing, while concerns persist over the long-term feasibility of protecting stationary stations near the front.